Methi: Low care and can be used as herb, vegetable or spices
They are short lived fast growing plants which are cultivated for use as a spice, vegetables and for its medicinal properties. They are mostly resistant to harsh climates and can be easily grown and maintained without any much hassle. Even Methi can be grown easily just in water.
Quick Details of Methi
| Other Common Names | Fenugreek, methi |
| Type | Outdoor plant |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Flowering | Late spring |
| Light | Bright direct light |
| Water | Regular watering |
| Temperature | Can survive the harsh climate |
| Soil | Any well-drained potting soil |
| Fertilizer | Any house plant fertilizer |
| Habitat | Southern Europe, Asia |
| Toxicity | No |
| Common Diseases | Powdery mildew, leaf spot, rot |
| Scientific name | Trigonella foenum-graecum |
Overview of Methi
They belong to the family of Fabaceae. They are native to Southern Europe and Asia. The plant is a semiarid crop and cultivated worldwide because of the use of leaves and seeds in food. The plants can grow up to a height of 20- 30 cm. the leaves and are commonly added in food. The leaves consist of three small oblong leaflets.
Special features:
The plant is used as a herb, spice as well as a vegetable. The leaves are consumed as a vegetable or dried and added to food to enhance the flavor.
Usage and Advantage of Methi
- It is helpful in balancing cholesterol and sugar level
- It is used in soothing stomach ailments and muscle pain.
- Can reduce menstrual pain, fever.
- Aids weight loss, reduces appetite.
- Helps in hair growth.
- The seeds are either ground or added as a whole to food.
General Care for Methi
Methi can be grown and maintained in pots on terrace and balconies.
Soil: A well-drained fertile rich soil. If you are growing in soil mix compost in the soil to make it fertile.
Light: They prefer direct sunlight. 5-6 hours of direct sunlight will be good for healthy crop.
Watering: They are drought resistant ones grown and established. However, the plants can be watered when the soil is dry.
Pruning: The plants can be pruned and the tips can be pinched off to prevent flowering of the plants. This helps in extending the life span of the plants.
Fertilizer: Any fertilizer or compost can be added before planting the seeds.
Pests and other problems for Methi
Fungal diseases: Cercospora leaf spot: Caused due to cercospora traversiana. Symptoms include sunken lesions on leaves, necrotic and discoloured areas in leaves and pods.
Charcoal rot: Caused by macrophomina phaseolina. The symptoms include discoloration, cankers in stems. The leaves wilt and fall.
Powdery mildew: Caused due to leveillula taurica. The symptoms include white powdery spots on the leaves on both the sides. Can cause the leaves to wilt and fall.
The fungal diseases can be prevented by spraying neem oil or any fungicides.
The plants are also attacked by pests. Some of the common pests are aphids, they can cause the leaves to lose colour and wilt. The plants might have stunted growth.
The attack of aphids can be prevented by spraying soap solution or neem oil.
Propagation of Methi
They are propagated only through seeds. The seeds can be sown 1-3 mm below the ground and watered to moisten the soil. They are usually grown during spring. They can also be grown throughout summer if the conditions are not very harsh.
